1poorMIL has been here almost 6 years. Not very long. She was born before WWII, remembers running and hiding from the Japanese, remembers American soldiers being "very kind" to her, etc.

If her family was there I think I would understand better. I accept it, but I don't really understand it. I'm not attached to a flag, or a notion of "nation" as "home". I do regard myself as American no matter where I go, but my desire to return is not because I was born and raised here. It's because I'm free here. As long as this country protects that, I am willing to work for (and fight for) this country. If it ever stops, I will see if I can find a new home.

For her, there's only a few distant relatives left in the Philippines. Her immediate family is either dead or not there (one daughter here, with granddaughter, and the other daughter in Dubai). Family is hugely important to her (and most Filipinos). She can get medical here, we can afford a few amenities in our lives (decent home, a bit of travel, etc). Food, clothes, all the essentials are covered.

I'm hoping I can find the article mentioned up-thread. I would want to read it and share with 1poorlady. We don't want to become her jailers, but at the same time is it responsible to just let her go when she is, for lack of a better word, helpless?

Announcements

Foolanthropy 2014!
By working with young, first-time moms, Nurse-Family Partnership is able to truly change lives – for generations to come.

When Life Gives You Lemons
We all have had hardships and made poor decisions. The important thing is how we respond and grow. Read the story of a Fool who started from nothing, and looks to gain everything.

Work for Fools?
Winner of the Washingtonian great places to work, and Glassdoor #1 Company to Work For 2015! Have access to all of TMF's online and email products for FREE, and be paid for your contributions to TMF! Click the link and start your Fool career.